Have you seen the difference in the new way Facebook is being used for professional networking lately? For many users that formally only used LinkedIn or Twitter, and rarely used Facebook, these same users are now sending out more requests to “connect” with their LinkedIn / Twitter / new friends on Facebook.
Rather than just the traditional "social" networking aspect, there’s a movement lately with more people, businesses, and organizations using Facebook for professional networking. Facebook is becoming hugely popular as another way to brand, market, and create more visibility for a business or individual on the internet.
Carol Greer of Morton Consulting writes in her Connecting Great People - Networking for Jobs/Recruiters, Etc Facebook group:
“I am an Executive Recruiter specializing in Information Technology. I wanted to start this group - to help my friends. Some of you are looking for a job. Some of you are recruiters. My goal is TO CONNECT GREAT PEOPLE TO OTHER GREAT PEOPLE.”
The key is to use Facebook professionally, and not let the day-to-day mundane activities that many post messages about dissuade one from taking advantage of the large following on Facebook. An upward trend has been observed in the larger number of Facebook users that are beginning to leverage the Fan Page or Groups option to reach a larger audience.
It seems that Facebook is trying to re-invent itself and provide more professional, business tools for those in career transition or others seeking to reach a wider circle of contacts. This shift for some to a more professional use of Facebook rather than a strictly friends only “social” network is welcomed and is sure to provide better options for many entrepreneurs and business leaders.
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A few tips on using Facebook for professional networking:
- Review your profile and remove any inappropriate pictures (wild party scenes, etc.), comments, and excessive “bells & whistles” that may not paint you in a professional way
- “Less is more” when it comes to pictures and the number of wall updates, so don’t post too many pictures or too many wall updates, or you may turn people off and lose friends
- Keep content relevant to your business, career, job or professional interests, avoid political ideology, and any controversial subject matter
- Only accept friend requests from people you know well so you can avoid any “surprises”
Keep in mind that many hiring managers now check social media sites and search on your name PRIOR to considering you for a position at their company. The old saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” applies here.
“Finally, advice from Kay Stout for all of us who use Facebook, "To be taken professionally, be very, very careful what you share with the world on Facebook/ My Space (reminds me of 'The Emperor Has No Clothes' story). People seem to forget that everyone can see what you’re really not wearing."
- from Alison Doyle, About.com: Job searching - Facebook and Professional Networking: Should You Use Facebook for Professional Networking?
- Daulton West, Jr. , aka ”DWestJr” on Twitter
Other articles that may be of interest:
Social Media and the Job Hunt (SMCEDU-RVA event)
3 sites to help in your job search: the social media 'power trio'
8 tips for creating a social networking plan for your job search
Do you need a social media champion?
Using Twitter for career networking
Nonprofits embracing social media for fund raising
Are you using a blog to build your brand and build your business?
Best practices tip: post high value messages to build your brand
The Legal of Social (SMCRVA - Feb 2010 review)
LinkedIn groups – are you building relationships for job networking?
Professional networking with Facebook
Are you using the power of a Google profile to promote your brand?
Using social media to help Haiti earthquake victims - Together we can make a difference!
Are Twitter lists the new #FollowFriday? Are you using Twitter lists to monitor your brand?
New Hootsuite & Tweetdeck features, Facebook - News Feed / Live Feed defined
More social media news, views, tools, & tips: Richmond Social Media Examiner
Comments
You are right, Facebook requests have been getting more frequent from the people I connect with on Twitter and Linked In. The lines of demarcation in social spaces are blending. Depending on who they are, I however don't always accept. I tend to reserve this space for those I want to have a more personal view of my life, and that I've formed more of a bond with. Though, I am also cognizant of the information I post because you're never quite sure who will be reading it.
@davebrossmer
Daulton, this is great advice. I know that my web presence has increased tremendously since becoming really active on facebook and networkedblogs. FaceBook allows such a vast array of ways to promote whatever wants to promote.
I'm so excited to have discovered you're a Richmond Examiner! I just started my column: Richmond Frugal Family Examiner
Stop by:-)
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